News Summary
A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for Greenwood County as a storm moves in with dangerous quarter-sized hail and fierce wind gusts. Residents should stay inside, particularly those in high-risk areas. Hydroplaning on wet roads is a concern for drivers as flooding may occur. The National Weather Service emphasizes safety, urging everyone to stay informed and shelter during this storm.
Severe Thunderstorm Hits Greenwood County: Be Prepared!
Folks in Greenwood, the weather has taken a wild turn, and it’s time to buckle up! A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for Greenwood County, catching residents off guard as it rolled in on Wednesday evening. The alert went out at precisely 7:01 p.m. and will remain in effect until 7:30 p.m., so everyone needs to stay alert!
What to Expect
Currently, the storm is moving northeast at a speed of about 15 mph and is located right near Greenwood. The forecast warns that residents should brace themselves for dangerous quarter-sized hail, which measures around 1 inch, along with fierce wind gusts that could reach up to 60 mph.
As a precaution, it’s wise to prepare for possible minor hail damage to your vehicles and potential wind damage to trees and power lines. If your home is in or around one of these areas—Coronaca, Bradley, Greenwood State Park, Promised Land, Ninety Six Historic Site, and Ninety Six—you’re especially at risk!
Stay Safe Indoors
The National Weather Service has urged everyone to prioritize their safety during this storm. The best tip? Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of your building. That’s right, it’s time to cozy up indoors!
Lightning Alerts
Hold on, there’s more! Did you know that approximately 25 million lightning strikes happen across the United States every year? Sadly, these strikes lead to around 20 fatalities each year. When a thunderstorm rolls in, the risk of being struck by lightning increases significantly, peaking when the storm is directly overhead. The danger starts to subside as the storm drifts away.
If you find yourself outdoors during this thunderstorm, it’s crucial to seek shelter immediately. But if you can’t find shelter, make sure to follow the essential safety guidelines to keep yourself and loved ones safe.
Warnings for Drivers
For all you drivers out there, heed this warning! Hydroplaning is a real risk during heavy rainfall. This occurs when your vehicle loses traction on wet roads, making it slide uncontrollably. It happens when water builds up faster in front of your tires than your vehicle can push it away. This could be dangerous! The top three causes of hydroplaning include water depth, tire tread depth, and your speed.
Keep this in mind: never drive through flooded roadways. The storm’s heavy rainfall can quickly lead to localized flooding, and driving through that water is just not worth the risk.
Current Status of the Storm
While earlier reports mentioned strong thunderstorms affecting other locales like Callison, Epworth, and Lake Greenwood State Park, the situation is evolving. Although an earlier storm warning was issued, it has weakened below severe limits—or has it? Weather systems can change rapidly, so it’s vital to keep an eye on local updates and alerts.
Wind gusts still pose a threat, potentially causing small tree limbs to snap and blowing around unsecured objects. People might see some minor damage to outdoor items due to hail. Remember, outdoor furniture and decorations should be secured!
Wrap It Up!
As Greenwood County braces for this downdraft of a storm, it’s imperative everyone stays informed and follows safety precautions. Stay safe, keep an eye on the weather, and weather the storm responsibly!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- The State
- Google Search: Severe Thunderstorm Greenwood
- Island Packet
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- The Weather Channel
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Google News: Thunderstorm Safety
Author: HERE Greenwood
The HERE Greenwood Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenwood community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenwood Our team includes lifelong Greenwood residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent listing of the historic Grier Building, Greenwood’s railroad and textile heritage, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Piedmont Technical College programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
